The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice calls on the President of the Republic, Adama Barrow, to immediately fulfil his constitutional duty to ensure that the rights of Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang are respected and protected. The continued assault on their freedom and dignity by the Gambia Police Force is not only unlawful, but also poses a grave threat to democratic stability, peace, and security in this country.
The Constitution guarantees equality before the law, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial. The authority to determine the guilt or innocence of any accused person lies solely with the courts. Since September 2023, Ousainou Bojang was accused of shooting three PIU officers, two of whom died. He was arrested together with his sister, Amie Bojang, who was accused of being an accomplice. For two years and eight months, both were subjected to a painful and protracted trial while detained at Mile 2 Prisons.
That ordeal came to an end on March 30, 2026, when Justice Jaiteh acquitted and discharged both Ousainou and Amie Bojang of all charges. It is therefore deeply alarming that as they were due to be released from prison today, they were re-arrested by armed police officers. This action is a blatant violation of the Constitution and a flagrant affront to the authority of the court. It amounts to direct interference with the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
There is no lawful basis for depriving persons of their liberty after they have been acquitted and discharged by a competent court of law. Ousainou and Amie are no longer suspects. They have not committed any new offence. They cannot be arrested, charged, or tried again for the same crime for which they have already been acquitted. To do so is a clear violation of the rule of law and their fundamental rights.
We therefore call on President Adama Barrow, in accordance with his oath of office and his obligations under Section 17 of the Constitution, to immediately guarantee the freedom of Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang. We also call on the Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muctarr Touray, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dawda A. Jallow, to uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional rights of these citizens.
We further call on Members of the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, and all stakeholders in the political and civil society space to stand up and defend the rights and freedoms of Ousainou and Amie Bojang. At stake is not only the liberty of two citizens, but also the credibility of justice, the authority of the courts, and the future of constitutional governance in The Gambia.
2026 – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership
